RESUMO
Objective To explore the relation between puncturing at superficial venules and effectiveness of acupoint application in summer to treat winter disease. Methods 4872 chronic bronchitis patients who received therapy of acupoint application in summer for treating winter diseases were divided into a superficial-venule group (including 994 patients) and a non-superficial-venuls group (including 3878 patients), according to the conditions that if or not they had superficial venuls. Both groups received the treatment of acupoint application combined with plum-blossom needles quick puncture. On this basis, the superficial-venule group was additional treated by puncturing at superficial venules. Results The cure rate and total effective rate were 73.2% and 98.1% in the superficial-venule group, and 35.9% and 90.8% in the non-superficial-venuls group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in their therapeutic effect (P＜0.01).Conclusion The treatment of acupoint application combined with puncturing at superficial venules are effective in treating chronic bronchitis.